Brazil increases the addition of ethanol to gasoline to reduce imports

The measure is a government strategy to reduce fossil fuel imports. Currently, around 15% of gasoline consumed in Brazil comes from abroad, due to limitations in national refining. A volume that depends on the mood of the international market, currently in uproar due to the return of US attacks on Iran.

According to calculations by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the increase in the addition of ethanol could avoid the import of around 450 million liters of gasoline, highlights O Globo. Thus, according to the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, the expansion of the mixture could lead the country to eliminate purchases of the derivative abroad, putting Brazil in a condition of self-sufficiency in supply. There is also an environmental and climate gain, with less fossil fuel being burned and, therefore, a drop in emissions, albeit small.

But not depending on imports does not guarantee stable gasoline prices, especially in the Northeast and North. After all, Petrobras sold refineries in these two regions. These plants are now under private control and, therefore, at the mercy of their controllers' decision: follow the amount charged by the Brazilian state-owned company or follow international quotes.

Returning to the E32, its adoption is questioned by mechanics experts, who warn of possible impacts on older vehicles or those without specific calibration, such as increased fuel consumption, corrosion and wear of components, reports Petronotícias. The government, however, claims that the measure was based on technical studies, according to UOL.

The new percentage of ethanol blended into gasoline had already been announced by President Lula, but it depended on formal approval by the CNPE. The authorization meeting was initially scheduled for May 7, but was postponed four times.

Last year, the government had already approved an increase from 27.5% to 30%.